Canny Man's — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

THE MYSTERY OF THE CANNY MAN (R Burns) In Morning Side, where time hae ran, There lies a pub, the Canny Man Its doors wide open, beckoning all, To share in tales and call.

Its doors creak open, as if to say, “Come, wander in, and lose the day", midst the dust, o’ memories past, an’ antiquities, forever last.

Inside its walls, a warm embrace, Where weary souls, regain their grace but secret spells surround this halt this sanctuary of the ancient malt.

Sae why the name, the Canny Man? Tis sublime of mind, a true Scots-man, A mixt of ken, wi’ intellect, An’ caution commands respect

While each glass of whiskey or ale divine lifes woes disolve, an’ plans refine knowledge expands, rhetoric's grace erudition grows at a pace

But hark! tis secret, whispered low, Upon passin’ its door, time starts tae slow, Inside the pub, time creeps a slower pace, As whisky’s sipped, it slips embrace.

Yes within this haven, a secret did abide, For time, it slowed when they stepped inside, With every whisky poured and downed, The clocks did stop and e’en rewound!

With time in reverese, an after comes afore Friends become younger and wittier than before Ever more wit and laughter fills the air Hilarious banter, a joy to share

“we are all Canny men” so they cheer “we’re all Canny men” and order more beer and they do dice with the devil wi time forgot, do merry revel

Some souls, they say, never left this keep, Forever trapped, suspended sleep, Like starlight snared in a black holes plight frozen in time, eternal night

As night deepens and movement turns slow langrous ballet in moons gentle glow orders are taken dispensed by staff time's paradox, a riddle to laugh

Sad drinlers forever bound to seat engulfed in a instant, their hearts replete, molasses-like air, trapping their delight, a timeless joy, an eternal flight.

Yet, should a drinker slip past its door, Before the last call, when spirits do soar, They'd wake at home with time reset But memory of night all forget

So Drinker beware! and run sublime afore you hear, the staff shout "Time!" Drink in wisdom, but heed the call, Escape the Canny, ere shadows fall.

Oh, Canny Man, beloved retreat, Where troubles fade and sorrows fleet, With every toast, we raise a cheer, For this cherished pub we hold so dear.

So, let us gather, one and all, Within the walls this drinkers hall, And raise our voices, join our clan, To sing the praises of...

The Canny Man's is a sure contender for the title of Unfriendliest Pub even now, despite the passing of its infamously grumpy landlord. But the frosty reception and the air of tresspassing are all part of the theatre of this unique little boozer. The onslaught on your confidence starts outside, where a sign reads: "no mobiles, no credit cards, no backpackers, no cameras..." Inside, an intimidating land lady (I think) guards the door as you enter and glares. Dare to wander in? You will need to survive the withering look that follows you around the room. Take a seat and ask for the menu and you will have a white line cloth and proper napkins set up which is very nice. If you manage to understand the ordering system (write some code on paper, not the name of the dish... THE CODE and don't for god's sake try to talk to the waitress), you're in. And it is worth it! My favourite of the hundred options is the surf and turf open sandwich though the food is all a bit pricey as is the wine actually it is good for a change. Inside, The Canny Man's is like a curio shop alongside the traditional mandolins and dusty jeroboams pinned to the walls are military uniforms, paintings, swords, prams and a boat. Then you look up: a shop mannequin is skewered to the ceiling, dressed as a witch and many other sinister faces are peering at you from paintings are everywhere. The whisky selection is extensive and reasonably priced and they usually do a free buffet weeknights as well as giving a little nibble to enjoy with your drink. It is our local but despite being regulars I don't think we are very...

OK, the pub of this intricate interior couldn't be zero or one star. It has great atmosphere. But I echo Kassie and many others' view of this bar. Ruinously expensive. I paid 2.95 for the cheapest HALF pint and nearly 6 for a pint. Even in Edinburgh, where does this pricing come from? and I agree with Kassie and the rest, the staff's attitude is Terrible.

You know the kind of place that is, NOT overtly rude, BUT rude. Difficult to pinpoint WHAT, but definitely hostile.

When I came up and stood at the entrance, the waitress was standing there already and asked me what was it that I wanted. Was there a CCTV and I was being watched? I said I wanted a beer. OK then come on in then, i was told. When I was looking for a loo, a woman showed up out of no where and told me I was in a wrong place. Were there CCTVs and was i being watched everywhere? Kind of creepy. No staff smiles in this place.

Now you might guess that they thought I was ''lowering the tone'' and wanted me to be gone sooner? That is likely, but the first time I came here was twenty odd years ago with a wealthy gentleman and his wife, a prosperous looking middle aged couple I met at the local Rotary Club and I remember THEY were complaining that the waitress was NIPPY, the exact word I still remember, ''No, no, we are not arguing'' I remember Mr Murray was saying to the waitress. ''Oh dear, she is nippy''

OK, that was long time ago. but this place has been constantly rude and exclusive...